US10279792B2 - Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device - Google Patents

Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US10279792B2
US10279792B2 US14/787,035 US201414787035A US10279792B2 US 10279792 B2 US10279792 B2 US 10279792B2 US 201414787035 A US201414787035 A US 201414787035A US 10279792 B2 US10279792 B2 US 10279792B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
air
conditioning installation
regeneration
air conditioning
conduit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US14/787,035
Other versions
US20160068150A1 (en
Inventor
Mike Mauder
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens Mobility GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Mobility GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Mobility GmbH filed Critical Siemens Mobility GmbH
Assigned to SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT reassignment SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MAUDER, Mike
Publication of US20160068150A1 publication Critical patent/US20160068150A1/en
Assigned to Siemens Mobility GmbH reassignment Siemens Mobility GmbH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US10279792B2 publication Critical patent/US10279792B2/en
Assigned to Siemens Mobility GmbH reassignment Siemens Mobility GmbH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
    • B60T17/002—Air treatment devices
    • B60T17/004—Draining and drying devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/261—Drying gases or vapours by adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61C—LOCOMOTIVES; MOTOR RAILCARS
    • B61C17/00—Arrangement or disposition of parts; Details or accessories not otherwise provided for; Use of control gear and control systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D27/00—Heating, cooling, ventilating, or air-conditioning
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D27/00—Heating, cooling, ventilating, or air-conditioning
    • B61D27/0018—Air-conditioning means, i.e. combining at least two of the following ways of treating or supplying air, namely heating, cooling or ventilating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1429—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant alternatively operating a heat exchanger in an absorbing/adsorbing mode and a heat exchanger in a regeneration mode
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4566—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for use in transportation means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an arrangement for drying air, in particular for a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle, comprising an air dryer which is designed to be suitable for receiving air that is to be dried, via an air dryer inlet.
  • the invention furthermore relates to a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement.
  • the invention relates to a method for drying air, in particular for use in a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle, in which an air dryer receives air that is to be dried, via an air dryer inlet.
  • the air dryer described there has two drying chambers and an air conduit system, which is connected to the drying chambers, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chambers.
  • Two regeneration conduit portions which are each provided with a regeneration nozzle are connected in parallel here.
  • a switching means is arranged in series with the regeneration nozzle of said regeneration conduit portion, as a result of which this device is optimized in particular for the connection of two compressors.
  • the invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning, a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement and a method of the type mentioned at the beginning that are optimized with regard to external conditions prevailing in the region of a rail-bound transportation route to be traveled.
  • the invention proposes an arrangement with the features as claimed and a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement as claimed.
  • an air conditioning installation which supplies air to an air conditioning installation outlet is provided, wherein the air dryer inlet is connected via an air channel, which is designed in particular as an air conduit, to the air conditioning installation outlet in such a manner that at least one portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation forms the air that is to be dried.
  • the invention proposes a method as claimed, in which an air conditioning installation supplies air to an air conditioning installation outlet, wherein at least one portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation is supplied via an air channel, which connects the air dryer inlet to the air conditioning installation outlet and is designed in particular as an air conduit, as the air that is to be dried.
  • the air that is to be dried is removed from the air conditioning installation in a particularly advantageous manner.
  • the air supplied by the air conditioning installation is cooled while the air conditioning installation is in operation, in comparison to the air which is supplied to the air conditioning installation from the atmosphere. It is therefore ensured that the air which the air dryer receives via the air dryer inlet thereof in the form of the air that is to be dried has already previously been cooled by a condenser of the air conditioning installation.
  • the air that is to be dried has a constantly low temperature and also already constantly low air humidity.
  • Constant conditions are therefore provided making it possible to optimize the dimensioning of drying chambers and the cycle time thereof and therefore the portion of the regeneration air required for regenerating the drying chambers to said constant conditions.
  • the efficiency and the dimensioning of the entire arrangement can therefore be optimized. Energy and costs can thereby be saved.
  • the air dryer has an air conduit system, which is connected to at least one drying chamber, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chamber, said air conduit system having at least two regeneration conduit portions which are connected in parallel and are each provided with a regeneration nozzle and in one of which a switching means for switching the one regeneration conduit portion on and off as required is arranged in series with the regeneration nozzle, and if a control device is designed to be suitable for controlling the switching means depending on the operating state of the air conditioning installation.
  • a second regeneration nozzle connected in parallel can supply more regeneration air via the switching means—preferably in the form of a solenoid valve—in order, for example, to ensure a certain required quality of the dried air (compressed air quality) in a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle.
  • a sensor device is designed to be suitable for detecting measured values corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning installation and for outputting said measured values as an output signal via a first operative connection to the control device, and if the control device is designed to be suitable for outputting a control signal, which is dependent on the output signal, via a second operative connection to the switching means in order to control the switching means.
  • the operating state of the air conditioning installation i.e. the circumstance of whether the air conditioning installation is or is not in operation—can therefore be used in an advantageous manner as parameter for realizing the required quality.
  • the air conduit system is connected to a second drying chamber, wherein the two drying chambers are alternately switchable by means of a further switching means into a drying phase and a regeneration phase.
  • the control device preferably determines the control signal with reference to the output signal by means of a computer-based evaluation logic.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically a first exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle according to the invention with a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention for drying air, and
  • FIG. 2 shows schematically a second exemplary embodiment of the rail vehicle according to the invention with a second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show, in a schematic illustration, a rail vehicle 1 ; 101 with a passenger compartment 2 ; 102 and a first embodiment 3 ; 103 in each case of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air.
  • the two embodiments 3 ; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air each comprise a compressed air installation, denoted as a whole by 4 ; 104 , and an air conditioning installation 5 ; 105 .
  • air conditioning installation 5 ; 105 air that is to be dried is supplied to the compressed air installation 4 ; 104 via an air channel 6 ; 106 .
  • Air that is to be cooled is fed from the atmosphere to the air conditioning installation via an air conditioning installation inlet 7 ; 107 .
  • a portion of the air channel 6 ; 106 that is designed as an air conduit 6 a ; 106 a connects an air conditioning installation outlet 8 ; 108 to a compressor inlet 9 ; 109 of a compressor 10 ; 110 of the compressed air installation in order to guide a portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation to the compressor inlet.
  • Via a further air channel 11 ; 111 connected to the air conditioning installation outlet a further portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation is guided into the passenger compartment 2 ; 102 .
  • the air supplied to the air conditioning installation outlet of the air conditioning installation is cooled while the air conditioning installation is in operation and is not cooled when the air conditioning installation is not in operation.
  • An air dryer inlet 17 ; 117 of the air dryer 12 ; 112 is connected here via a further portion of the air channel 6 ; 106 , which portion is designed as an air conduit 6 b ; 106 b , to a compressor outlet 18 ; 118 of the compressor 10 ; 110 .
  • an air dryer outlet 19 ; 119 of the air dryer 12 ; 112 is connected via an air conduit 20 ; 120 to a main container inlet 21 ; 121 of the main container 13 ; 113 .
  • the air dryer 12 ; 112 in each case comprises two drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 filled in a customary manner with suitable granules.
  • the air dryer 12 ; 112 comprises nonreturn valves 24 , 25 ; 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , two switching means 28 , 29 ; 128 , 129 in the form of solenoid valves and two regeneration nozzles 30 , 31 ; 130 , 131 .
  • the air dryer 12 ; 112 comprises an air conduit system, which is denoted as a whole by 32 ; 132 and serves, firstly, for introducing the air that is to be dried into the drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 and, secondly, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chambers.
  • Said air conduit system 32 ; 132 comprises a plurality of conduit portions 32 a , 32 b , . . . , 32 k ; 132 a , 132 b , . . . , 132 k , 1321 .
  • a portion of the dried air is used here for regenerating the drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 .
  • the two conduit portions denoted by 32 g , 32 h ; 132 g , 132 h which are each provided with one of the regeneration nozzles 30 , 31 ; 130 , 131 and are connected in parallel, form regeneration conduit portions.
  • That one of the switching means which is denoted by 28 ; 128 is arranged in said regeneration conduit portion in series with the regeneration nozzle 31 ; 131 .
  • the control device 16 ; 116 is designed to be suitable for controlling the one switching means 28 ; 128 depending on the operating state of the air conditioning installation 5 ; 105 .
  • the sensor device 15 ; 115 detects measured values corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning installation and outputs said measured values as an output signal A. 1 ; A. 101 via a first operative connection 34 ; 134 to the controller 35 a ; 135 of the control device 16 ; 116 .
  • the controller 35 a ; 135 of the control device 16 ; 116 then outputs a control signal S. 1 ; S. 101 , which is dependent on the output signal A. 1 ; A.
  • the controller 35 a ; 135 of the control device determines the control signal S. 1 ; S. 101 by means of a first computer-based evaluation logic 37 ; 137 with reference to the output signal A. 1 ; A. 101 .
  • the sensor device 15 ; 115 has a sensor 39 ; 139 which outputs the measured values which it determines—the respective value of which indicates whether the air conditioning installation 5 ; 105 is or is not in operation—in the form of the output signal A. 1 ; A. 101 .
  • the conduit portion which is denoted by 32 a ; 132 a and one end of which forms the air dryer inlet 17 ; 117 is connected at the other end thereof to a first connection 41 ; 141 of the further switching means 29 ; 129 .
  • the conduit portion denoted by 32 b ; 132 b is connected at one end to a second connection 42 ; 142 of the further switching means 29 ; 129 and at the other end thereof to a first connection 43 ; 143 of the one drying chamber 22 ; 122 .
  • the conduit portion denoted by 32 c ; 132 c is connected at one end to a third connection 44 ; 144 of the further switching means 29 ; 129 and at the other end thereof to a first connection 45 ; 145 of the other drying chamber 23 ; 123 .
  • a controller 35 b or the controller 135 of the control device 16 ; 116 is designed to be suitable to output further control signals S. 2 ; S. 102 via a third operative connection 46 ; 146 to the further switching means, denoted by 29 ; 129 for controlling the further switching means 29 ; 129 .
  • the controller 35 b ; 135 of the control device 16 ; 116 controls the further switching means 29 ; 129 in such a manner that the two drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 are alternately switchable into a drying phase and a regeneration phase.
  • the controller 35 b ; 135 of the control device 16 ; 116 determines the further control signals S.
  • the computer-based evaluation logic 37 is part of the controller, denoted by 35 a , of the control device 16
  • the further computer-based evaluation logic 47 is part of the further controller, denoted by 35 b , of the control device 16 .
  • the two computer-based evaluation logics 137 , 147 are part of the controller 135 of the control device 116 .
  • the compressor 10 ; 110 conveys compressed air into the conduit portion 32 a ; 132 a which is alternately connectable to one of the two drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 via the second switching means 29 ; 129 .
  • the conduit portion 32 a ; 132 a is just now connected to the drying chamber 22 ; 122 .
  • the drying chamber in each case not just now connected to the conduit portion—in FIGS. 1 and 2 that is the drying chamber 23 ; 123 —is connected by the second switching means 29 ; 129 to a vent 48 ; 148 to the atmosphere.
  • the drying chambers 22 , 23 ; 122 , 123 are provided with second connections 49 , 50 ; 149 , 150 opposite the first connections 43 , 45 ; 143 , 145 thereof.
  • the conduit portion denoted by 32 d ; 132 d is connected to the second connection 49 ; 149 of the one drying chamber 22 ; 122 and the conduit portion denoted by 32 e ; 132 e is connected to the second connection 50 ; 150 of the other drying chamber 23 ; 123 .
  • the two conduit portions 32 d , 32 e; 132 d , 132 e lead into a branching point 51 ; 151 , from which the conduit portion denoted by 32 f ; 132 f branches.
  • the nonreturn valve 24 ; 124 which opens in the direction of the branching point 51 ; 151 , is arranged in the conduit portion 32 d ; 132 d
  • the nonreturn valve 25 ; 125 which opens in the direction of the branching point 51 ; 151 , is arranged in the conduit portion 32 e ; 132 e . That end of the conduit portion 32 f ; 132 f which points in the direction of the main container 10 ; 110 forms the air dryer outlet 19 ; 119 .
  • the two embodiments 3 ; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention differ in respect of the connection of the two regeneration conduit portions 32 g , 32 h ; 132 g , 132 h which are connected in parallel and via which compressed air dried by means of the drying chamber which is active just now is conducted to the drying chamber which is not active just now in order to regenerate the latter.
  • the dried compressed air for regenerating the drying chamber which is not active just now is taken directly from the drying chamber which is in each case active.
  • one end of the regeneration conduit portions 32 g , 32 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 52 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 32 i and branches off from the conduit portion 32 d at a branching point 53 .
  • the other end of the regeneration conduit portions 32 g , 32 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 54 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 32 k and branches off from the conduit portion 32 e at a branching point 55 .
  • the other end of the regeneration conduit portions 132 g , 132 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 154 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 132 k and branches off at a branching point 155 from the conduit portion denoted by 132 l .
  • the conduit portion 1321 branches off here at one end from the conduit portion 132 d at a branching point 156 and at the other end from the conduit portion 132 e at a branching point 157 .
  • the nonreturn valve 126 which opens in the direction of the branching point 156 , is arranged between the two branching points 156 and 155
  • the nonreturn valve 127 which opens in the direction of the branching point 157 , is arranged between the two branching points 157 and 155 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Valves And Accessory Devices For Braking Systems (AREA)
  • Drying Of Gases (AREA)

Abstract

An arrangement for drying air, particularly for a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle, includes an air dryer that receives air that is to be dried, via an air dryer inlet. In order to optimize the arrangement with regard to external conditions prevailing in the region of a rail bound transportation route to be travelled, an air conditioning installation is provided that supplies air to an air conditioning installation outlet, the air dryer inlet being connected, by way of an air channel particularly designed as an air conduit, to the air conditioning installation outlet such that at least one portion of the air supplied from the air conditioning installation forms the air that is to be dried. The invention also relates to a rail vehicle that includes such an arrangement, and also to a method for drying air.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an arrangement for drying air, in particular for a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle, comprising an air dryer which is designed to be suitable for receiving air that is to be dried, via an air dryer inlet.
The invention furthermore relates to a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for drying air, in particular for use in a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle, in which an air dryer receives air that is to be dried, via an air dryer inlet.
Such an arrangement, such a rail vehicle and such a method are known from patent DE 196 17 829 C5. The air dryer described there has two drying chambers and an air conduit system, which is connected to the drying chambers, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chambers. Two regeneration conduit portions which are each provided with a regeneration nozzle are connected in parallel here. In order to be able to switch one of said regeneration conduit portions on and off as required, a switching means is arranged in series with the regeneration nozzle of said regeneration conduit portion, as a result of which this device is optimized in particular for the connection of two compressors.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning, a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement and a method of the type mentioned at the beginning that are optimized with regard to external conditions prevailing in the region of a rail-bound transportation route to be traveled.
In order to achieve this object, the invention proposes an arrangement with the features as claimed and a rail vehicle comprising such an arrangement as claimed. According to the invention, an air conditioning installation which supplies air to an air conditioning installation outlet is provided, wherein the air dryer inlet is connected via an air channel, which is designed in particular as an air conduit, to the air conditioning installation outlet in such a manner that at least one portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation forms the air that is to be dried.
Furthermore, in order to achieve this object, the invention proposes a method as claimed, in which an air conditioning installation supplies air to an air conditioning installation outlet, wherein at least one portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation is supplied via an air channel, which connects the air dryer inlet to the air conditioning installation outlet and is designed in particular as an air conduit, as the air that is to be dried.
In the arrangement according to the invention, the rail vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention, the air that is to be dried is removed from the air conditioning installation in a particularly advantageous manner. The air supplied by the air conditioning installation is cooled while the air conditioning installation is in operation, in comparison to the air which is supplied to the air conditioning installation from the atmosphere. It is therefore ensured that the air which the air dryer receives via the air dryer inlet thereof in the form of the air that is to be dried has already previously been cooled by a condenser of the air conditioning installation. As a result, the air that is to be dried has a constantly low temperature and also already constantly low air humidity. Constant conditions are therefore provided making it possible to optimize the dimensioning of drying chambers and the cycle time thereof and therefore the portion of the regeneration air required for regenerating the drying chambers to said constant conditions. The efficiency and the dimensioning of the entire arrangement can therefore be optimized. Energy and costs can thereby be saved.
It is considered advantageous if an air compressor is arranged in the air channel.
Furthermore, it is considered advantageous if the air dryer has an air conduit system, which is connected to at least one drying chamber, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chamber, said air conduit system having at least two regeneration conduit portions which are connected in parallel and are each provided with a regeneration nozzle and in one of which a switching means for switching the one regeneration conduit portion on and off as required is arranged in series with the regeneration nozzle, and if a control device is designed to be suitable for controlling the switching means depending on the operating state of the air conditioning installation. This is because, with such a refinement, under extreme operating conditions a second regeneration nozzle connected in parallel can supply more regeneration air via the switching means—preferably in the form of a solenoid valve—in order, for example, to ensure a certain required quality of the dried air (compressed air quality) in a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle.
In addition, it is considered advantageous if a sensor device is designed to be suitable for detecting measured values corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning installation and for outputting said measured values as an output signal via a first operative connection to the control device, and if the control device is designed to be suitable for outputting a control signal, which is dependent on the output signal, via a second operative connection to the switching means in order to control the switching means. The operating state of the air conditioning installation—i.e. the circumstance of whether the air conditioning installation is or is not in operation—can therefore be used in an advantageous manner as parameter for realizing the required quality.
It is also advantageous if the air conduit system is connected to a second drying chamber, wherein the two drying chambers are alternately switchable by means of a further switching means into a drying phase and a regeneration phase.
The control device preferably determines the control signal with reference to the output signal by means of a computer-based evaluation logic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
To further explain the invention,
FIG. 1 shows schematically a first exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle according to the invention with a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention for drying air, and
FIG. 2 shows schematically a second exemplary embodiment of the rail vehicle according to the invention with a second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 and 2 show, in a schematic illustration, a rail vehicle 1; 101 with a passenger compartment 2; 102 and a first embodiment 3; 103 in each case of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air. The two embodiments 3; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention for drying air each comprise a compressed air installation, denoted as a whole by 4; 104, and an air conditioning installation 5; 105. By means of the air conditioning installation 5; 105, air that is to be dried is supplied to the compressed air installation 4; 104 via an air channel 6; 106. Air that is to be cooled is fed from the atmosphere to the air conditioning installation via an air conditioning installation inlet 7; 107. A portion of the air channel 6; 106 that is designed as an air conduit 6 a; 106 a connects an air conditioning installation outlet 8; 108 to a compressor inlet 9; 109 of a compressor 10; 110 of the compressed air installation in order to guide a portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation to the compressor inlet. Via a further air channel 11; 111 connected to the air conditioning installation outlet, a further portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation is guided into the passenger compartment 2; 102. The air supplied to the air conditioning installation outlet of the air conditioning installation is cooled while the air conditioning installation is in operation and is not cooled when the air conditioning installation is not in operation.
In the two embodiments 3; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention, of the compressed air installation 4; 104 there is shown, in each case in addition to the compressor 10; 110, in particular an air dryer, which is denoted as a whole by 12; 112, a main container 13; 113, which feeds a main air container conduit 14; 114, a sensor device, which is denoted as a whole by 15; 115, and a control device 16; 116.
An air dryer inlet 17; 117 of the air dryer 12; 112 is connected here via a further portion of the air channel 6; 106, which portion is designed as an air conduit 6 b; 106 b, to a compressor outlet 18; 118 of the compressor 10; 110. In addition, an air dryer outlet 19; 119 of the air dryer 12; 112 is connected via an air conduit 20; 120 to a main container inlet 21; 121 of the main container 13; 113.
In the two embodiments 3; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention, the air dryer 12; 112 in each case comprises two drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123 filled in a customary manner with suitable granules. In addition, the air dryer 12; 112 comprises nonreturn valves 24, 25; 124, 125, 126, 127, two switching means 28, 29; 128, 129 in the form of solenoid valves and two regeneration nozzles 30, 31; 130, 131.
Furthermore, in the two embodiments 3; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention, the air dryer 12; 112 comprises an air conduit system, which is denoted as a whole by 32; 132 and serves, firstly, for introducing the air that is to be dried into the drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123 and, secondly, for conducting air dried by means of the drying chambers. Said air conduit system 32; 132 comprises a plurality of conduit portions 32 a, 32 b, . . . , 32 k; 132 a, 132 b, . . . , 132 k, 1321. A portion of the dried air is used here for regenerating the drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123. For this purpose, the two conduit portions denoted by 32 g, 32 h; 132 g, 132 h, which are each provided with one of the regeneration nozzles 30, 31; 130, 131 and are connected in parallel, form regeneration conduit portions. For switching the regeneration conduit portion which is denoted by 32 h; 132 h on and off as required, that one of the switching means which is denoted by 28; 128 is arranged in said regeneration conduit portion in series with the regeneration nozzle 31; 131.
The control device 16; 116 is designed to be suitable for controlling the one switching means 28; 128 depending on the operating state of the air conditioning installation 5; 105. For this purpose, the sensor device 15; 115 detects measured values corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning installation and outputs said measured values as an output signal A.1; A.101 via a first operative connection 34; 134 to the controller 35 a; 135 of the control device 16; 116. In order to control the one switching means 28; 128, the controller 35 a; 135 of the control device 16; 116 then outputs a control signal S.1; S.101, which is dependent on the output signal A.1; A.101, via a second operative connection 36; 136 to the one switching means 28; 128. The controller 35 a; 135 of the control device determines the control signal S.1; S.101 by means of a first computer-based evaluation logic 37; 137 with reference to the output signal A.1; A.101.
In order to determine the operating state of the air conditioning installation 5; 105, the sensor device 15; 115 has a sensor 39; 139 which outputs the measured values which it determines—the respective value of which indicates whether the air conditioning installation 5; 105 is or is not in operation—in the form of the output signal A.1; A.101.
The conduit portion which is denoted by 32 a; 132 a and one end of which forms the air dryer inlet 17; 117 is connected at the other end thereof to a first connection 41; 141 of the further switching means 29; 129. The conduit portion denoted by 32 b; 132 b is connected at one end to a second connection 42; 142 of the further switching means 29; 129 and at the other end thereof to a first connection 43; 143 of the one drying chamber 22; 122. The conduit portion denoted by 32 c; 132 c is connected at one end to a third connection 44; 144 of the further switching means 29; 129 and at the other end thereof to a first connection 45; 145 of the other drying chamber 23; 123.
A controller 35 b or the controller 135 of the control device 16; 116 is designed to be suitable to output further control signals S.2; S.102 via a third operative connection 46; 146 to the further switching means, denoted by 29; 129 for controlling the further switching means 29; 129. By means of the further control signals S.2; S.102, the controller 35 b; 135 of the control device 16; 116 controls the further switching means 29; 129 in such a manner that the two drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123 are alternately switchable into a drying phase and a regeneration phase. The controller 35 b; 135 of the control device 16; 116 determines the further control signals S.2; S.102 here by means of a further computer-based evaluation logic 47; 147, wherein the switching over can take place after a fixed time-controlled cycle or depending on the flow rate of the air that is to be dried—as is already known, for example, from document EP 0 199 948 B1. In the first embodiment 3 of the arrangement according to the invention, the computer-based evaluation logic 37 is part of the controller, denoted by 35 a, of the control device 16, while the further computer-based evaluation logic 47 is part of the further controller, denoted by 35 b, of the control device 16. In contrast thereto, in the case of the second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the two computer-based evaluation logics 137, 147 are part of the controller 135 of the control device 116.
The compressor 10; 110 conveys compressed air into the conduit portion 32 a; 132 a which is alternately connectable to one of the two drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123 via the second switching means 29; 129. According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conduit portion 32 a; 132 a is just now connected to the drying chamber 22; 122. The drying chamber in each case not just now connected to the conduit portion—in FIGS. 1 and 2 that is the drying chamber 23; 123—is connected by the second switching means 29; 129 to a vent 48; 148 to the atmosphere. The drying chambers 22, 23; 122, 123 are provided with second connections 49, 50; 149, 150 opposite the first connections 43, 45; 143, 145 thereof. The conduit portion denoted by 32 d; 132 d is connected to the second connection 49; 149 of the one drying chamber 22; 122 and the conduit portion denoted by 32 e; 132 e is connected to the second connection 50; 150 of the other drying chamber 23; 123. The two conduit portions 32 d, 32 e; 132 d, 132 e lead into a branching point 51; 151, from which the conduit portion denoted by 32 f; 132 f branches. The nonreturn valve 24; 124, which opens in the direction of the branching point 51; 151, is arranged in the conduit portion 32 d; 132 d, and the nonreturn valve 25; 125, which opens in the direction of the branching point 51; 151, is arranged in the conduit portion 32 e; 132 e. That end of the conduit portion 32 f; 132 f which points in the direction of the main container 10; 110 forms the air dryer outlet 19; 119.
The two embodiments 3; 103 of the arrangement according to the invention differ in respect of the connection of the two regeneration conduit portions 32 g, 32 h; 132 g, 132 h which are connected in parallel and via which compressed air dried by means of the drying chamber which is active just now is conducted to the drying chamber which is not active just now in order to regenerate the latter.
In the embodiment 3, shown in FIG. 1, of the arrangement according to the invention, the dried compressed air for regenerating the drying chamber which is not active just now is taken directly from the drying chamber which is in each case active. For this purpose, one end of the regeneration conduit portions 32 g, 32 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 52 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 32 i and branches off from the conduit portion 32 d at a branching point 53. The other end of the regeneration conduit portions 32 g, 32 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 54 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 32 k and branches off from the conduit portion 32 e at a branching point 55.
In contrast to the first embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 1, in the case of the second embodiment 103, shown in FIG. 2, of the arrangement according to the invention, dried compressed air for regenerating the drying chamber which is not active just now is taken from the conduit portion 132 f. For this purpose, one end of the regeneration conduit portions 132 g, 132 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 152 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 132 i and branches off from the conduit portion 132 f at a branching point 153. The other end of the regeneration conduit portions 132 g, 132 h which are connected in parallel is connected at a branching point 154 to the conduit portion which is denoted by 132 k and branches off at a branching point 155 from the conduit portion denoted by 132 l. The conduit portion 1321 branches off here at one end from the conduit portion 132 d at a branching point 156 and at the other end from the conduit portion 132 e at a branching point 157. In the conduit portion 1321, the nonreturn valve 126, which opens in the direction of the branching point 156, is arranged between the two branching points 156 and 155, and the nonreturn valve 127, which opens in the direction of the branching point 157, is arranged between the two branching points 157 and 155.

Claims (14)

The invention claimed is:
1. An arrangement for drying air, comprising:
an air dryer and an air dryer inlet configured for receiving air to be dried in said air dryer;
an air conditioning installation configured to supply air to an air conditioning installation outlet;
said air dryer inlet being connected via an air channel to said air conditioning installation outlet such that at least one portion of the air supplied by said air conditioning installation forms the air to be dried; and
an air compressor disposed in said air channel.
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, configured for a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle.
3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said air channel is an air conduit.
4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said air dryer has an air conduit system connected to at least one drying chamber, for conducting air dried by way of said drying chamber, said air conduit system having at least two regeneration conduit portions connected in parallel and each provided with a regeneration nozzle, and a switching device, for switching the one regeneration conduit portion on and off, connected in one of said regeneration conduit portions in series with at least one of said regeneration nozzles, and a control device is configured for controlling said switching device depending on an operating state of said air conditioning installation.
5. The arrangement according to claim 4, which comprises a sensor device disposed and configured for detecting measured values corresponding to the operating state of said air conditioning installation and for outputting the measured values as an output signal via a first operative connection to said control device, and wherein said control device is configured for outputting a control signal, which is dependent on the output signal, via a second operative connection to the switching device in order to control said switching device.
6. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said at least one drying chamber is one of a first and a second drying chamber and wherein said air conduit system is connected to said second drying chamber, wherein said first and second drying chambers are alternately switchable by way of a further switching device into a drying phase and a regeneration phase.
7. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein said control device is configured to determine the control signal with reference to the output signal by way of a computer-based evaluation logic.
8. A rail vehicle, comprising an arrangement for drying air according to claim 1.
9. A method for drying air, the method comprising:
receiving in an air dryer air to be dried, via an air dryer inlet;
supplying air from an air conditioning installation to an air conditioning installation outlet;
supplying at least a portion of the air supplied by the air conditioning installation via an air channel, which connects the air dryer inlet to the air conditioning installation outlet, as the air that is to be dried;
compressing the air supplied by the air conditioning installation prior to entry into the air dryer by way of a compressor arranged in the air channel.
10. The method according to claim 9, which comprises implementing the method steps in a compressed air installation of a rail vehicle.
11. The method according to claim 9, which comprises designing the air channel, which connects the air dryer inlet to the air conditioning installation outlet, as an air conduit.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: an air conduit system of the air dryer is connected to at least one drying chamber and configured for conducting air dried by way of the drying chamber, the air conduit system having at least two regeneration conduit portions connected in parallel, each of the regeneration conduit portions being provided with a regeneration nozzle and one of the regeneration conduit portions having a switching means arranged in series with the respective regeneration nozzle; selectively switching the one regeneration conduit portion on and off by way of the switching means, as required, and controlling the switching means with a control device depending on an operating state of the air conditioning installation.
13. The method according to claim 12, which comprises:
detecting, with a sensor device, measured values corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning installation and outputting the measured values as an output signal via a first operative connection to the control device; and
outputting, with the control device, a control signal, which is dependent on the output signal, via a second operative connection to the switching means to thereby control the switching means.
14. The method according to claim 12, which comprises connecting a second drying chamber to the air conduit system, and alternately switching the two drying chambers by way of a further switching means into a drying phase and a regeneration phase.
US14/787,035 2013-04-25 2014-04-16 Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device Active 2036-02-07 US10279792B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102013207566 2013-04-25
DE102013207566.9 2013-04-25
DE201310207566 DE102013207566A1 (en) 2013-04-25 2013-04-25 Apparatus and method for drying air and rail vehicle with such a device
PCT/EP2014/057711 WO2014173752A1 (en) 2013-04-25 2014-04-16 Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20160068150A1 US20160068150A1 (en) 2016-03-10
US10279792B2 true US10279792B2 (en) 2019-05-07

Family

ID=50513254

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/787,035 Active 2036-02-07 US10279792B2 (en) 2013-04-25 2014-04-16 Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10279792B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2958780B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102013207566A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014173752A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12344214B2 (en) 2021-02-19 2025-07-01 Transportation Ip Holdings, Llc Sensor assembly, dryer, and vehicle control system using the same

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3526522B1 (en) * 2016-12-16 2021-05-26 New York Air Brake, LLC Optimized control of a heater for an air dryer
FR3063704B1 (en) * 2017-03-07 2019-04-12 Alstom Transport Technologies HEATING DEVICE FOR A RAILWAY VEHICLE FOR HEATING A TOILET CABIN IN PRECONDITIONING
CN110893772B (en) * 2018-09-13 2021-03-02 中车大同电力机车有限公司 Air supply system for electric locomotive and electric locomotive
DE102020119792A1 (en) 2020-07-28 2022-02-03 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Air supply system for an air spring system of a motor vehicle

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19617829A1 (en) 1996-05-03 1997-11-13 Knorr Bremse Systeme Air drying installation, in particular for rail vehicles
WO2002056401A2 (en) 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Air compression system for a fuel cell arrangement and cold air process-air conditioning unit or heat pump
DE102004051435B3 (en) 2004-10-20 2006-06-22 Siemens Ag System for producing of dry compressed air, especially for rail vehicles, has air drier connected after cooler, whereby moisture falls out as condensate which is used for cooling of cooler by evaporation
DE102008031747A1 (en) 2008-07-04 2010-01-14 Wabco Gmbh Conditioned air providing device for use in pneumatic operated braking system of e.g. commercial vehicle, has processing element designed as catalyst, and processing air, and conveyor sucking air and conveying air to processing element
US20120073669A1 (en) * 2009-06-23 2012-03-29 Heinrich Diekmeyer Compressed air supply system for a compressed air consumer circuit, in particular for an air spring system
US20150075381A1 (en) * 2012-04-05 2015-03-19 Knorr-Bremse System Fur Schienenfahrzeuge Gmbh Air drying device for a rail vehicle

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3514473A1 (en) 1985-04-22 1986-10-23 Knorr-Bremse AG, 8000 München DEVICE FOR DRYING COMPRESSED AIR

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19617829A1 (en) 1996-05-03 1997-11-13 Knorr Bremse Systeme Air drying installation, in particular for rail vehicles
US6042197A (en) 1996-05-03 2000-03-28 Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Schienenfahrzeuge Gmbh Air-drying system, in particular for rail vehicles
WO2002056401A2 (en) 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Air compression system for a fuel cell arrangement and cold air process-air conditioning unit or heat pump
US20040219408A1 (en) 2001-01-16 2004-11-04 Ullrich Hesse Air compression system for a fuel cell arrangement and cold air process-air conditioning unit or heat pump
DE102004051435B3 (en) 2004-10-20 2006-06-22 Siemens Ag System for producing of dry compressed air, especially for rail vehicles, has air drier connected after cooler, whereby moisture falls out as condensate which is used for cooling of cooler by evaporation
DE102008031747A1 (en) 2008-07-04 2010-01-14 Wabco Gmbh Conditioned air providing device for use in pneumatic operated braking system of e.g. commercial vehicle, has processing element designed as catalyst, and processing air, and conveyor sucking air and conveying air to processing element
US20120073669A1 (en) * 2009-06-23 2012-03-29 Heinrich Diekmeyer Compressed air supply system for a compressed air consumer circuit, in particular for an air spring system
US20150075381A1 (en) * 2012-04-05 2015-03-19 Knorr-Bremse System Fur Schienenfahrzeuge Gmbh Air drying device for a rail vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12344214B2 (en) 2021-02-19 2025-07-01 Transportation Ip Holdings, Llc Sensor assembly, dryer, and vehicle control system using the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2958780B1 (en) 2017-01-25
US20160068150A1 (en) 2016-03-10
EP2958780A1 (en) 2015-12-30
DE102013207566A1 (en) 2014-10-30
WO2014173752A1 (en) 2014-10-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10279792B2 (en) Device and method for drying air, as well as a rail vehicle comprising such a device
US9833736B2 (en) Method and device for preparation of compressed air in motor vehicles
US10266057B2 (en) Compressed-air system
US10434464B2 (en) Compressed-air drying device, method for controlling compressed-air drying device, and vehicle
US9273700B2 (en) Pressure medium supply arrangement
US8490991B2 (en) Method for controlling the regeneration cycles for an air dryer in a closed ride control system for vehicles
WO2013091764A3 (en) Compressed air supply unit, compressed air supply system, and vehicle, in particular passenger car, having a compressed air supply unit
US20150266358A1 (en) Vehicle air conditioner with a refrigerant circuit
CN102145643A (en) Closed loop gas path system of electric control air suspension
CN105934583A (en) Compressor system and method for operating the compressor system in dependence on the operating state of the rail vehicle
US11300144B2 (en) Air supply unit for a pneumatic system of a commercial vehicle
CN103121445A (en) New energy passenger car and air brake air supply unloading system thereof
KR101419096B1 (en) Compressed-air system
US20180257628A1 (en) Method and device for controlling an air dryer unit of an air supply system for primary and auxiliary air supply, in particular for a rail vehicle
US9333459B2 (en) Air drying device for a rail vehicle
CN105083299B (en) A kind of air supply method and device ensureing train wind
KR102107921B1 (en) Air suspension system
WO2015092472A1 (en) Pneumatic actuator system and method for controlling such as system
CN104930019B (en) Method of operation for a compressed air treatment device and a compressed air treatment device
KR102284633B1 (en) Method and device for the regeneration of a two-chamber air dryer
CN108025650B (en) Method and apparatus for main and auxiliary air supply to a vehicle
US8616231B2 (en) Valve device for a compressed air supply device and compressed air supply system
US9393969B1 (en) System for control of compressors and air dryers in tunnels
RU169238U1 (en) Vehicle tire inflation and inflation system
US20140116400A1 (en) Purge control method of air tank

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MAUDER, MIKE;REEL/FRAME:036938/0301

Effective date: 20150928

AS Assignment

Owner name: SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT;REEL/FRAME:048079/0310

Effective date: 20180215

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT;REEL/FRAME:052060/0205

Effective date: 20180601

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20230507